Shaquille O’Neal Hired As Director Of Community Relations For Sheriff’s Office In Atlanta, Will ‘Bridge The Gap Between Community & Law Enforcement’

January 21, 2021 by Demi Lobo in Sports with 0 Comments

Shaquille O’Neal Hired As Director Of Community Relations For Sheriff’s Office In Atlanta, Will ‘Bridge The Gap Between Community & Law Enforcement’

Former Los Angeles Laker,Shaquille O’Neal just took on a new role as the “Director Of Community Relations” for the Sheriff’s office in Atlanta.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement about the retired NBA star’s involvement in the metro Atlanta area.

According to a press release,

“As part of Sheriff (Reginald) Scandrett’s strategic plan, bridging the gap between the community and law enforcement is paramount. Coupled with Dr. O’Neal’s philanthropy, Scandrett and Shaq have a specific plan to begin uniting the Henry County community. Join us as we announce our first major community relations project.”

In December, Shaquille O’Neal gave out Christmas gifts to children in the Henry County community. He said in a statement,

“I’ve always tried to do my part in the community where I live at, and this is my little town here in McDonough, Georgia, so I always want to take care all the kids. All the kids in McDonough know Uncle Shaq, and I try to come around Easter, birthdays and, you know, every major holiday.”

Shaquille O’Neal has also been an honorary officer and deputy in the past, in states; Arizona, Florida, and California.

More information will be released at a press conference upcoming Friday, Jan. 22nd at 2p.m.

Former NBA great, Shaquille O’Neal has always been very diligent with his philanthropy and community engagement.

In September of last year, the 4x basketball champion unveiled a campaign to assist Black businesses recovering amid COVID-19.

He partnered with American Express on the “Coalition to Back Black Businesses,” a grant program designed to help Black-owned businesses get back on their feet. Shaq states:

“Small businesses need our support now more than ever. Black businesses have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. You tell people, ‘stay in you house four months, don’t leave don’t go out.’ It’s a shame 40 million Americans have lost their jobs, but in these Black communities with Black businesses, a lot of people have lost their lifelong jobs. I’m happy to support the first ever Coalition of Black Businesses.”

The coalition kicked off with a $10 million commitment to fund a grant program over the next four years, with a portion of the grant funding leadership development and business mentoring.

Shaq expressed,

“Not only are we giving money, but we give mentorship to help get their businesses to the next level.”

The former Los Angeles Laker and father of six who says, “I want to be something more than just Shaq” has turned a keen eye towards business ventures.

What are your thoughts on Shaquille’s new role? Write your comments below.